There are 321 surviving England male cricketers and in addition England women cricketers and England disability team members were present.

Rhodes said: "Straussy put it altogether and quite rightly it is an elite club, to represent your country, and he wants to make sure proud traditions and history of former players is passed onto present players.

"It makes it even more of a bigger thing to play for your England that you become an elite club member of the England past and present players.

"People go their separate ways after their playing careers and it was nice to catch up with a few and see what they are doing.

"We are all very lucky to have worn that England cap which is the thing you dream of as a youngster."